Kilz is a familiar name in households as well in hardware shops. It’s one of the best primers that come with sealing and stain blocking properties.
It’s applied on surfaces for instance walls, and woods to make the top smooth, even, and well-prepped. Along with different formulas, a few varieties of Kilz primers come with a tint that gives a nice vibrant look.
However, a common question that many people ask is if Kilz can be applied alone as a final coat over the surface or if painting is needed over it.
If you too have the same confusion, we have here explained what’s Kilz actual job is and if you have to paint over it.
Do you have to paint over kilz?
You should paint over Kilz to protect the surface. Kilz aims to conceal the impurities of a surface and make it adhesive to promote bonding with paint. It cannot protect the surface from outer dirt or weather like a paint layer. So the final coat of paint over Kilz is necessary.
Kilz is used as a primary step before painting. It prepares the surface but when left raw, cannot stand against dirt or foul weather. Moreover, if not covered with paint Kilz coated surface damage soon.So you must use paint over Kilz.
Know if you have to paint over these Kilz primers mentioned below:
Kilz Mold and mildew:
Kilz mold and mildew is an excellent product to protect your desired surface from mold and mildew. It’s used as the primary step and can smoothen spots and promote adhesive.
Kilz Mold and mildew cannot be used alone without paint. You have to put a paint layer over this sealer.
Kilz original:
Kilz original is the signature product from this popular brand. It’s an all-purpose primer that works as an odor blocker and stain blocker too.
Kilz original is applied before paint to smoothen the surface. When coated with paint it helps to enhance the surface color and make the paint durable. But it cannot be used raw without paint.
Kilz 2:
Kilz 2 cannot protect a surface from dirt, dust, or damp weather when applied primarily. It can strengthen the bond between paint and surface but if not covered with paint Kilz 2 layer can get dirty and rough.
Kilz oil-based primer:
Kilz oil-based primer is perfect for sealing stubborn stains, and uneven textures on various surfaces. It needs to be applied as a base coat and layered with paint. Otherwise, the surface will damage.
Can I just use Kilz as paint?
You must use paint after applying any type of primer from Kilz. Kilz primer cannot be left without the layer of paint as this will damage the wall.
Kilz is a popular primer and sealant manufacturer brand. It’s used as a base coat to make a surface smooth and even. Kilz when applied seals the impurities, and stains and blocks the tiny impurities, porous surface in a wall.
Kilz primer and sealer also enhance the adhesive power of the wall so the bond with paint becomes strong.
Kilz is applied before any paint as it creates a layer between the surface and paint. Though kilz primers are often tinted they can’t be used as paint.
Because it’s not as protective as wall paint so if not coated with paint the surface will crumble and get damaged. So you can’t use kilz as paint.
Three reasons why you need to paint over kilz
If you are aware of the advantages Kilz offers, you already know it’s an excellent product to give any surface a perfect finishing. Kilz can even texture top, block stains as well as odors.
So the thought of using this primer as the final coat may cross your mind often. But sorry to disappoint you because you should not apply Kilz as the only final layer over a surface.
You need to paint over any Kilz primer. Here’s why:
To protect the surface:
Kilz alone cannot ensure protection against damp weather, water damage, or dirt. Instead, it attracts dirt more and gets dull looking too soon if not covered with paint.
Paint when applied over kilz secures the base coat and makes the surface long-lasting.
To conceal impurities:
To hide a stain or darker patch on any surface only the coats of Kilz are not enough. Kilz can blur the stain or lighten it, but for a new-like appearance, you have to paint over Kilz primer.
To brighten the surface:
A few Kilz primers are tinted but that is not much to brighten a surface. When applied primer and cleaning agents, a surface looks old and dull.
If you apply Kilz it will prepare the surface but painting over it will give it color and make it brighter.
When can you paint over kilz?
You can paint over Kilz when it’s dried properly. You can layer paint over any type of Kilz, for example, Kilz oil-based primer, Kilz mold, mildew, etc. Depending on the variation of Kilz primer, the time gap may vary.
Kilz is one of the most used primers that also act as a stain blocker, sealer even odor remover. It’s used over walls before the paint as a base step. Kilz coats smoothen the uneven surface, conceal spots and brighten the paint when put over.
To paint over Kilz’s any type of primer and sealer, you’ll have to let the base coat dry. As the primer dries properly it will then let the paint sit perfectly and evenly. You can paint over Kilz when the layer is fully dried over the surface.
Based on the primer’s formula Kilz might take a minimum of 30 minutes to a maximum of 3 or 4 hours to dry completely. Some painters even apply paint over Kilz primers after 3 to 7 days.
You can paint over Kilz even after 3 or 4 hours of the application but painting after 30 minutes or 1 hour later is fine too.
How long do you have to wait to paint over kilz?
To paint over kilz you have to wait till the coat of kilz is completely dried. Kilz is a fast-drying sealant and primer. It is used to hide stains, textures, and even odor.
But it can’t be used as the final layer. KilZ should be layered with coats of paint to add the final finishing.
To paint over Kilz one has to wait till the Kilz primer layer is dried completely to avoid chipped and dull looking paint. So to have a perfect painted finishing you may have to wait for 30 minutes to 3 hours depending on the primer type.
You should avoid leaving the surface unpainted for a long time in order to protect it from damage and dirt. For the best result, experts suggest waiting at least one hour to let the prime settle on the wall.
How to paint over a stain over Kilz?
Whether it’s your toddler’s drawing or the splash of water, stains on walls are most of the time hard to remove. You may try to hide that spot by painting directly over them but the possibilities are you’ll end up having an unevenly painted wall plus the stain.
But thankfully concealing stains seamlessly is not impossible. Especially if you own a jar of Kilz stain blocker primer.
So if you’re struggling stain, here’s how to paint over a stain over Kilz primer explained step by step:
Choose the right Kilz primer:
Based on how light or deep the stain is Kilz has multiple primers in their store.
Your first step is to select the suitable Kilz primer. For lighter spots, you can select Kilz 2 all-purpose primer and for darker stains, Kilz Original Oil-based primer is a good option.
Prepare the surface:
The more prepared the surface is the easier it’s to paint over it. Clean the wall with a damp lint-free cloth to make sure the surface has no grease, dust, or dirt. Let it dry before applying primer.
Apply primer:
Apply a thin layer of your selected Kilz over the stained area at first. Let it dry. If the stain is still visible apply another coat to blur the darkness. Wait for 30 to 1 hour.
Apply Paint over Kilz:
Apply the desired color paint over the stain in two layers. Ensure proper gap in between for a smoother finish.
Final Thoughts
The purpose of Kilz primer is to seal uneven textures, and stains and promote the bonding power of any surface. When applied as the final coat it will resist any damage. Instead, a raw coat of Kilz can make a surface look dull. So you have to paint over Kilz to protect the surface from damage.